First Runner-Up: Armenia’s Artsvik

Barev! Yesterday the Wiwi Jury – our in-house panel of music unprofessionals – accepted an invite from Kim Kardashian to join her and the fam (we have connections, y’all) for a tour of the historic Yerevan old town. After splitting a plate of traditional Mantes, we brewed the tea and dished our thoughts on Armenia’s Eurovision 2017 act Artsvik and her entry “Fly With Me”. Did it take us to new heights or crash and burn on take off? Read on to find out! 

Artsvik – “Fly With Me”

About Artsvik

Armenian singer Artsvik Harutyunyan, 32, rose to fame in 2013 as a contestant on Golos, the Russian version of The Voice. In late 2016, Artsvik — whose name means “eagle” — won Depi Evratesil, the country’s biggest-ever national selection for Eurovision. Armenia’s AMPTV then staged an international call for songs and ultimately decided on a number written by Armenians. “Fly With Me” was cowritten by the team behind Armenia’s entries for Eurovision 2014 and 2016 and has a similarly experimental sound.

“Fly With Me” Reviews

William: The video opens by zooming into a hole in Artsvik’s hairpiece that reveals six futuristic dancers standing in smoke. It’s a WTF moment that captures the daring, arty and ultimately beautiful spirit of “Fly With Me”. The song mixes dreamy, traditional, experimental and Oriental sounds, yet remains cohesive owing to Artsvik’s voice and an underlying sense of spirituality. Daring and just a little bizarre, it ignores conventional structure and whizzes by to an abrupt and powerful ending. I’m not sure what just happened, but I like it.

Score: 7/10

Bogdan: Artsvik’s song begins with a whisper and ends with an explosion. Every 25 seconds or so, new instruments are added and the track is infused with new, infectious, irresistible energy which makes it soar like Ravel’s “Bolero”. The red line that binds it all together beautifully is Artsvik’s flawless voice, bringing an Eastern flavour that is missing in other songs this year. This is special, this is unique, this is powerful and this is going to slay on the big stage.

Score: 10/10

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Chris: Following on from the Aram MP3 method of “two minutes of build up before we get anywhere”, Artsvik’s “Fly With Me” isn’t an immediate smash hit. In the world of Eurovision, that can be a real issue with the televote. But the blend of Eastern and Armenian sounds means that there’s at least something interesting going on. If Armenia turn up with an equally matched stage show, then that last minute could seal the deal. Watch this space.

Score: 6.5/10

Deban: “Fly With Me” is an experimental song driven by strong visuals. Artsvik looks great, but although she can sing, I struggle to find versatility in her voice. This is particularly problematic as this entry calls for movement and varied emotive expression. However, the polished music video gives me hope — perhaps, she’ll pull this off live.

Score: 4.5/10

Robyn: Last year Armenia brought the drama. This year they’re promising the drama but never quite deliver. “Fly With Me” sounds like the first half of a song in a musical, something that’s building up to a big chorus. But that doesn’t happen. The end result is a catchy but ultimately unsatisfying song — with little to remember.

Score: 5.5/10

George: I find the beginning of the song rather strange, but as the song progresses, it becomes really likeable. Artsvik is inviting us to fly with her, and I’m really tempted. I have to admit, I really loved “LoveWave” last year so I had really high expectations. And I wasn’t disappointed at all. In general, many parts remind me of Iveta, but I don’t think the perfection of “LoveWave” can ever be reached again.

Score: 6.5/10

Jovana: “Fly with Me” is an interesting mix of R&B and traditional music, aided by Artsvik’s beautiful voice. I can see why people like this song and I think it will do well in Kyiv. However, I feel like there is something missing — perhaps the change in the rhythm should have come earlier in the song. Anyway, I think that a vocalist like Artsvik deserves a better, more powerful song, and this song definitely deserved better lyrics.

Score: 5.5/10

Sami: “Fly With Me” is unique and Artsvik has an interesting voice, but it might not be the best song for the Eurovision Song Contest. The song doesn’t really have any memorable hooks, which means that despite the impressive vocals you could forget the whole act. People who like pop music won’t vote for this, but people who are watching Eurovision to hear traditional music surely will.

Score: 6/10

In the Wiwi Jury we have 38 jurors but only have room for 8 reviews. The remaining 30 scores are below:

Anastas: 9/10

Andy: 5/10

Angus: 3/10

Anthony: 5.5/10

Antony: 5/10

Antranig: 9/10

Bernardo: 7/10

Dayana: 7.5/10

Edd: 5.5/10

Erdi: 8/10

Forrest: 9.5/10

Jacob: 6/10

Jason: 7/10

Jordi: 8/10

Josh: 6/10

Kristin: 5.5 /10

Luis: 6/10

Marek: 5/10

Matt: 9.5/10

Mikhail: 10/10

Natalie: 5.5/10

Padraig: 7/10

Patrick: 7.5/10

Renske: 7.5 /10

Rezo: 8/10

Sinan: 9/10

Stanislav: 8.5/10

Steinunn: 5.5 /10

Tobias: 4/10

Zakaria: 8/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The highest and lowest scores are We have removed the highest and lowest scores prior to calculating the average. This is to remove outliers and potential bias. We have removed a low of 3 and a high of 10.

Wiwi Jury verdict: 6.83/10

What do you think of this song? Share your own score and review below!

See our current Eurovision 2017 reviews and rankings

69 Comments
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CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
6 years ago

Which is to say that, they may have to bring a new routine to the Kyiv stage if they suspect that the routine in the music video won’t make the cut.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
6 years ago

This is a real toss-up. For one, they will have to lose someone from that group if they bring that routine to the stage (they can only have Artsvik and 5 others). For another, if they bring that same routine to Kyiv, it is no match for what Iveta brought to the stage in Stockholm last year. This thing could go either way, and if it qualifies, it won’t be easy.

Zebb
Zebb
6 years ago

I like the last part of the song but can’t stand the first where Artsvik sings with the same power while song struggles to start evolve yet. That long build-up asks for additional two minutes for part that blossoms but unfortunately it stops too soon. Sounds like experiment has gone wrong and her fantasy lyrics now must make their way through its fragments. However, video elevates it and I can imagine this qualifying with replication of dance routine and visuals.
My 21st. | 22. Germany | 23. Iceland | 24. Czechia

Dunja
Dunja
6 years ago

I really want to ask @Polegend Godgarina, do you like at least some Armenian entries from other Eurovision years? Because when I see some news about Armenia, you always write negative comments. Even if you don’t like the song, why are you should insulting the artist? I hope that you are not a racist. She deserves respect as other artists. But people always surprise me. Really. I did not know that Western Europeans are very angry. What about Artsvik, I respect her and I don’t behave rudely like many here, who talk about her. Unfortunately, I can’t vote for this… Read more »

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

I was captured since the first listen! Probably the music video helped.

This song is like no other this year. It’s original and unique. Certainly it’s not a current, radio friendly song but a song with huge potential in the stage performance!

I really like this!
I’ll give it a 8!

ANDY
ANDY
6 years ago

i can’t repaid again it’s kind very mess song. high oh high, with me high oh high…
4/10

2L
2L
6 years ago

Arty-farty type of a song. 2/10

Magpie
Magpie
6 years ago

I need to see the full performance on stage. The music video just doesn’t give me any vibes. I think this is the first song where I am still unable to judge it no matter how hard I try.

Anto84
Anto84
6 years ago

Armenia is actually a quite great song. She’s my 11th favorite in the contest.
TOP 15:

1. Italy
2. Poland
3. France
4. Azerbaijan
5. Belgium
6. Bulgaria
7. Belarus
8. Portugal
9. Romania
10. UK
11. Armenia
12. Iceland
13. Sweden
14. Ukraine
15. Hungary

Harut
Harut
6 years ago

Honestly it’s not perfect .Could be better but Armenians love to break the rules but I’m not sure this will do very well.If Iveta got 7place with her amazing staging now I have no idea what they’re gonna do and get better place

Leaf
Leaf
6 years ago

As always I 100% agree with Deban.
This song is constructed for the stage …… Lyrics are weak BUT will compensate for it with the performance.

I wouldn’t pay to download this song BUT live I might enjoy it.

P.S
I might enjoy watching the performance while listening to it but I would never just listen to it.

Ron
Ron
6 years ago

I absolutely respect the creative, risque side of this entry. Is this going to win the contest? No. Is this going to finish in the top 5 – most likely, not! But, when you can claim to have an original, creative, “homemade” entry that is unlike anything else in the contest, frankly, the finish line becomes secondary. Unlike most other countries, Armenia is not afraid to take chances, and year after year, Armenia remains one of the most sought after countries to reveal their entries because you just don’t know what they’re going to bring to the table. 8/10 for… Read more »

Pablo
Pablo
6 years ago

Harlow: It tries to be LoveWave, but thing is LoveWave is unreachable by any standards, which leaves it kind of waddling along several standards trying to be something. Fly With Me is not without its merits, like a very strong finish and a unique overall sound, but it’s hard to get hooked on the product as a whole. Artsvik herself doesn’t sound that she completely owns the song’s tone either, most of the times coming too soft to try to emulate her main forte in Depi Evratesil, but Fly With Me is not fully commited to that view. With its… Read more »

Zolipop
Zolipop
6 years ago

I found it very disappointing and I felt like nothing happened in this song. Too bad, I liked the snippet, but now I find it really overrated.
When I made my toplist it was 32nd on it, but it may be a bit worse once I’ll redo it. Don’t want to see it around the top 10 :/

Leo M
Leo M
6 years ago

This is starting to grow on me If their staging is similar to what is in the music video, I think they will put on a good show The song is ok, it is original but doesn’t go anywhere I expect it to build to a big finish that never comes

I like food
I like food
6 years ago

I love this so much! It’s my first this year. 10/10

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
6 years ago

I am Dutch, so correct me if I am wrong, but this song doesn’t sound Armenian. 2010 and 2009 where VERY Armenian, and while this does sound ethnic, this doesn’t sound like those songs. Even with bad lyrics, this song IS a let-down, BUT for me 2016 was also a let-down, but on the stage Armenia slayed, and rose like 20 places in my top. I LOVED the snippet, and the song was in the beginning SOOOOOO good, the rest is also great, but doesn’t live up to what the start promises. I love the explosion, but 2014 and 2016… Read more »

Ron
Ron
6 years ago

You’re right. This is not necessarily Armenia. They used “dhol” which is an Armenian instrument, but all other instruments are an infusion of African and Asian.

sawan
sawan
6 years ago
Reply to  Ron

Dhol is an Indian instrument.Please don’t give wrong information.We play it at weddings and celebrations here.

Karap
Karap
6 years ago
Reply to  sawan

The Armenian ‘dhol’ is a type of a drum with a different look, manner of playing and spirit from that of the Indian. We also play it during weddings together with ‘zurna’. Many nations have types of drums, all different from one another. We also have the word tmbuk for drum (from indo-european root tumbho), there’s a mention of it from the 2nd century BC in the last words of the King Artashes. Who will give me the smoke of the chimney And the morn of Navasard*, (ancient Armenian New Year*) The running of the deer, And the trotting of… Read more »

Karap
Karap
6 years ago

Yes, it’s not Armenian, to me it’s more Chinese. Only the instrumental part has something Armenian to it with dhol, Armenian rhythm and her outfit in that part is traditional Armenian. The rest is “embracing diversity.”

Karap
Karap
6 years ago

Ah and ‘high’ means ‘Armenian’ in Armenian. So every time she says high… high, it sounds very Armenian to our ears ;)))

Maxime
Maxime
6 years ago

0 Point

AG
AG
6 years ago

Congratulations to Armenia for playing risky and bringing something different. This was my top 10 already when I heard it and now it’s my top 5. I understand why many people don’t get the song – it doesn’t have a typical structure, ethnic elements are used differently (not to sound pop friendly like Sirusho or that apricot stone lady) and overall it has a flash of alternative sound.

I believe this can do very well.

Sergey
Sergey
6 years ago
Reply to  AG

Yes AG, of course. Armenia is going to kill all Europe with the song “Fly with em”. I am sure, the staging will be great and unique. It’s in my top 5, too. Here is my top 5.

1. France
2. Armenia
3. Denmark
4. Belgium
5. The Netherlands

oli
oli
6 years ago

Will Francesco Gabbani beat Loreen’s 9.25 ? I think he probably will…
About Armenia: nice song, very mysterious, and I have the feeling that they have prepared an amazing staging. probably top 10 in the final

JS
JS
6 years ago
Reply to  oli

Don’t make me laugh, Italy will not get 9.25, the best case scenario will be about 8.3 if the majority have the same opinion as the majority of the hardcore fans on youtube but in general they are going against the ‘general consensus’ of the youtube fans so I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets below an 8. (even though I think it deserves a 6 because it isn’t anything special). Italy is just a fanwank just like Estonia in 2015, France in 2016 etc. It’s just not a winning song. On the topic of Armenia I agree, if the… Read more »

Anna
Anna
6 years ago

I hope there will be 2 contestants in the final bringing russian soul to the stage (Artsvik and Kristian), so we-russians can watch the show with pleasure.

Étoile
Étoile
6 years ago

Amazing Armenian entry like always, lots of love from France, I hope she can pass the final so that we can support her.

Eve
Eve
6 years ago

This is just beautiful, I like this song, such a beautiful atmosphere it creates, I like video presentation, I like her pleasent voice, I like Artsvik- wonderful classy lady, I like how they take this contest seriously, I like everything about this! 9/10

escJack UK
escJack UK
6 years ago

9.5 / 10
Amazing and experimental. Deserves top 03

PP
PP
6 years ago

Why EBU don t punish Armenia, because provocation in semi final 2016, when Iveta and delegation had flags of Nagorno -Karabakh.

dls
dls
6 years ago
Reply to  PP

because Iveta slayed our lives (plus I think the ebu made them pay a fine last year)

I like food
I like food
6 years ago
Reply to  PP

They did give a fine to Armenia.

Digital Style
Digital Style
6 years ago

Slightly overrated song in my opinion, but overall quite a nice number. Very arty and original, yet still something that will appeal to a wide audience. Lots of people were disappointed when it came out, but I was pleasantly surprised. I don’t think this song is amazing, but I definitely am impressed.

Mary
Mary
6 years ago

4.5/10 boring song with weak voice…. i heard she a secretary ….. not professional singer

Paul D.
Paul D.
6 years ago

I really like this song, I believe the staging will be epic once again. Top 10 in the final I believe

Hada
Hada
6 years ago

Artsvik is serving some Illuminati realness. The song itself give you musical blue balls, it depends fully on the staging. 5/10.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

What a mess.
They had a selection process that basically boiled down to a ballad singer vs. a more versatile singer. Armenia actually chose the ballad singer and then did not even give her a ballad! To be honest, I don’t know what this is, exactly. Whatever it is, it does not work. This is genealogy-levels of Armenian bad, which sadly, is slowly becoming the expectation rather than the exception.

Abel
Abel
6 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Now is it a bad thing that the song is not another ballad?

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago
Reply to  Abel

Nothing wrong with having a ballad if you have the best ballad!

PP
PP
6 years ago

They have better song in past. For me better song than this from 2017 they have in 2006,2007,2008,2009 (for me best song from Armenia) 2010, 2016

Abel
Abel
6 years ago

When the song was released, Armenians on this blog said the song has nothing Armenian, but is more Chinese, so why shouldn’t be in english after all?
10/10

(J)ESC Fanatic
(J)ESC Fanatic
6 years ago

This has grown on me. I like the oriental sound a lot. It’s a very interesting song and Artsvik is good live. I think Armenia will have no trouble qualifying again.

7/10

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

Harmonically this song (in A minor with an added flattened 7th) contains traditional 5-note runs echoing pentatonic scales, which then grow louder and higher with every refrain. It is Artsvik herself who breaks free of the confines of the scale by singing a long D note towards the end, and then launching into a reprise exactly a 3rd above the original melody. Interesting. It’s not exactly standard song material – this feels more like niche or background music to me. The wonderful thing about this entry (in my opinion) is the choreography and presentation. I love the dance moves in… Read more »

Anna
Anna
6 years ago

This is underrated !!! We’ll see in May 9 and 13 how she’s gonna kill it all.
Her live performance was on point in Amsterdam, and will be in Kyiv too, as for stage performance, it is created by Sacha Jean-Baptiste who has already worked with Iveta. There will be 3 armenian back vocalists and 2 dancers from Sweden. So its going to be epic and amazing, they have already promised it.
Good luck honey, its a pity I cant vote for you from Russia
Udachiii <3

Darren
Darren
6 years ago

It’s very experimental, maybe even to the point that it becomes art. As Armenia feels more like an art piece than an actual song, I am unsure how this will come across on stage, when the emphasis should be on the song. I quite like it, but I don’t know if I like it in a musical sense the way I do with other entries or if i like it in an artistic sense as a representation of women in a modern, yet traditional Armenia. I expect it to qualify and do well, but on the same hand it could… Read more »

M_K
M_K
6 years ago

Personal rating: Overall, it’s interessting. However, this song seems to have been created only to serve as background music for the stage show. It serves that purpose perfectly, there can be no doubt about that. However, it’s a SONG contest after all and as much as I admire a good staging, I still prefer entries that I can enjoy just listening to them. Besides, I really don’t understand why the song is performed in English – I don’t understand a single word she’s singing (I guess the native speakers are going to disagree with me on that): “Over deeps over… Read more »

PP
PP
6 years ago
Reply to  M_K

No chance to be in TOP 5 , with better song last year they finished on 7 place in final.

M_K
M_K
6 years ago
Reply to  PP

Well, who knows, it’s just the feeling I have. It’s just guessing anyway. 🙂

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  M_K

There’s an interesting theory about the song’s lyrics that I read on Facebook. If you look at them closely, the song is basically a story about Armenia itself, with its humble beginnings, its dark past, and the optimism for a better future.

M_K
M_K
6 years ago
Reply to  James

That’s interesting. Well, many of the Armenian entries are somehow about Armenia (2008, 2009, 2010, 2015) so it doesn’t come as a surprise to me. I often struggle with the English language myself, but in terms of language the lyrics of “Fly with Me” seem to be a little… off.

Azaad
Azaad
6 years ago

This is trying to be Lovewave 2.0 but it brings none of the raw drama that Iveta had. They should’ve just given Artsvik a classical vanilla ballad.

fikri
fikri
6 years ago

hated this at first but have grown to love it. i’d have given it an 8/10.

Cf
Cf
6 years ago

Original, yes. Unique, yes. However, the song does nothing for me. 5/10

Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

This is the song I like the least this year, my 0/10. Artsvik’s voice is powerless and annoying, she lowkey sounds like she has a potato in her mouth when she sings (I still can’t understand how she won Depi Evrasteli, her cover of I Have Nothing had Whitney turning in her grave). The song itself is confused, it never takes off, and it’s noisy. Armenia has two things to rely on: performance, and those 80 automatic televote points from the diaspora they get every year no matter what.

Marc
Marc
6 years ago

This is too pretentious, no surprise coming from Armenia.

Artsvik is not even close to Iveta’s stage presence.

Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  Marc

She has none tbh. She’s always smiling widely, even when performing sad songs (but given her poor English she’s clueless on what she’s saying).

KESC
KESC
6 years ago

This is soo overrated. I mean, yes, it’s growing on someone, it’s quite enjoyable, but that’s it. Nothing to exaggerate. How can it be 6th in the bookies??
It’s overrated, just because it’s from Armenia.

Marc
Marc
6 years ago
Reply to  KESC

Yes, It’s Armenia. They always have diaspora and friends voting for them no matter what.

KESC
KESC
6 years ago
Reply to  Marc

Yeah, but, if the song isn’t good enough, it doesn’t deserve to go to the final, just because of senseless televotes. I really hope Armenia will stay in the semi final this year.

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Marc

I’ll be upset if this passes into final on the expense of a song like Finland, Poland or Moldova. It would be so much cooler if people voted their favorite song, not their favorite country. For example, I think Armenia has an amazing song last year, while Finland was quite bad. This year, it’s the opposite. Even if you have a different taste, be faithful to your taste, not your flag. This is supposed to be a music contest.

JAK
JAK
6 years ago

ARMENIA BAD SONG AND BAD ENGLISH

Anna
Anna
6 years ago
Reply to  JAK

ok, you are georgian, than you think georgia’s song is good??? we’ll see who is going to stay in semi final 😀

Lukewarm
Lukewarm
6 years ago

One of the most original songs this year. Although they may have taken modernism too far and thrown out way too many song-writing rules. The intro is breathtaking but feels way out of place once you finish the song. Also baffling is the 21-seconds electronic part in the middle, are we supposed to stand up and dance or what? What is she going to do on stage? 02 NOR | 04 UK | 11 SRB | 12 SWE | 14 DEN | 16 POL 18 LAT | 19 CYP | 20 ICE | 23 GRE | 24 CZE | *25… Read more »

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

This year, I am mostly in disagreeing with the Wiwi jury, it seams. I’m sorry, but it’s how it is. For me, this is *the* boring song of the year. I don’t see how people can label Malta or Slovenia as boring over this. Absolutely nothing happens. Yes, the music is very calming and nice, but it builds-up to nothing. There is no chorus, no climax, no any kind of excitement. I guess it gets a point for originality and for a good voice, but this is just so desperately boring it’s not even funny. 9 – UK, POL, BLR,… Read more »

Axel christensen
Axel christensen
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Why did you reduce Denmark’s score from 7.5 to 7?

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

I just rounded all 0.5 scores to make it more concise. Denmark can still go on 8, though.

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

5/10